Messerschmitt Me 109E-3

Messerschmitt Me 109E-3

4. Staffel, II. Gruppe, JG 77

Pilot: Oberleutnant Helmut Henz (Staffelkapitän)

Poland, September 1939

Profile & Extract from Ipmsstockholm.org .Here is a Me 109E-3 in the original camouflage scheme used up until after the invasion of Poland, namely a splinter pattern of RLM70 Schwarzgrün and RLM71 Dunkelgrün on top and coming right down the fuselage sides, with RLM65 Hellblau underneath. The identification number and II.Gruppe marking are white as is the spinner, all indicating the 4.Staffel.

The yellow nose paint was first introduced on 109's during the Polish campaign as a recognition marking to avoid "friendly" fire from the Wehrmacht when operating on ground strafing missions; I have read that the Luftwaffe lost more 109's this way in Poland than were actually lost in combat, and hence the yellow became the much used ident colour in future offensive campaigns. The shield with seagull badge of II.Gruppe JG 77 was on both sides, but the "Grim Reaper" badge of 4.Staffel was only on the left side. Note the small size of the early thin style of cross and original position of the swastika.

In addition to the oil and fuel triangles this aircraft also shows the red cross on white square marking on the rear fuselage hatch where the first-aid medical kit was stowed.

I had to skin it on a E4 seeing we dont have a E3 ,The only thing i could`nt get what i wanted was the swastika in the right place(read above it was more central on the tail in early markings according to the profile) due to the void mapping ( it dont come out right ). ive used jesters excellent template again ( many thks) theres also a no markings skin (with grim reaper) in the download. Bright finished.......buglord